Rebels soccer takes state title

The stakes were higher this time, but it was business as usual for the Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain High School Varsity Boys Soccer teams.

Following a 0-0 regulation finish and two scoreless overtime periods in the 6A State Championship on May 11, the two teams went to a shootout for the third time in four games this season. Over the last three seasons, it marked the ninth time in 11 games the two teams ended a game in penalty kicks.

“We’re used to shootouts,” Vestavia Hills Head Coach Rick Grammar said. “We don’t like them, but we’re used to them.”

In each of the previous two seasons, the Rebels were knocked out of the state playoffs by OMHS. This year, Vestavia Hills put all four of its shots into the net while the Eagles only made two, and claimed school’s third Alabama High School Athletic Association 6A State Championship in Boys Soccer.

“I though it was outstanding,” Grammar said. “With teenage boys, you always wonder how bad they want stuff, but once we got into the state playoffs and you could tell they gave everything they had.

“They played with passion that game. We knew it was going to be war and it was.”

Grammar said his Rebels began to show fatigue in the second half and Oak Mountain had chances to score, but goalkeeper Marvin Castellanos capped his remarkable season in the title game. Castellanos recorded 24 shutouts this season, and finished the final with three saves and a block in the shootout.

“A shootout is exciting, but it’s a tough situation for the goalie on both sides,” said Vestavia Hills Athletic Director Buddy Anderson.

Grammar also gave credit OMHS Coach Ryan Patridge for leading the Eagles in a professional manner.

“I’m really quite impressed with Coach Patridge,” Grammar said. “He’s gracious win or lose. When they lost, he was very complimentary of our team, and I really appreciate his class.”